19 Contestants Walk the Runway Without Makeup, Filters or Digital Editing in a Bid to Promote Natural Beauty
LONDON: In a historic move, the Miss London & South East heat of the Miss England competition required all contestants to appear without makeup in September 2023, marking a significant moment in the pageant’s 95-year history.
The event featured 19 women walking the runway with completely bare faces, without foundation, mascara, digital filters or photo editing. Organizers said the initiative aimed to challenge conventional beauty standards and encourage women to embrace their natural appearance.
Held at the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate in London, the competition was inspired by Melisa Raouf, who made history in 2022 by becoming the first contestant in Miss England’s history to reach the finals without wearing makeup. Her decision attracted widespread attention and sparked debate about the pressure on women to conceal their natural features.
Building on that momentum, organizers introduced a dedicated makeup-free round the following year. Contestants wore boho-inspired outfits made from ethically sourced materials and were assessed on more than their appearance, including their careers, education and ethical values.
Dental Nurse Wins the Competition
The winner was Natasha Beresford, a 26-year-old dental nurse from Sheffield. She had volunteered for two weeks at dental outreach clinics in Uganda, where she helped provide care to more than 1,300 people suffering from dental pain.
For the event, Beresford wore a white gown from a sustainable wedding dress brand, reflecting the competition’s emphasis on ethical and environmentally conscious choices.
Promoting Confidence and Natural Beauty
The pageant’s director said the initiative was designed to empower women, build confidence and promote a more realistic body image.
Organizers noted that beauty contestants increasingly submit photographs featuring heavy makeup and digital filters. The makeup-free round offered a different message: beauty does not require concealment or digital enhancement.
The event has contributed to a broader conversation about authenticity, self-confidence and the influence of unrealistic beauty standards on women.
